Clean Coal Technologies

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY AND POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS

Introduction The International Energy Agency (IEA) and the Coal Industry Advisory Board (CIAB) have collaborated to develop a report aimed at accelerating the deployment of clean coal technologies, particularly focusing on carbon dioxide capture and storage (CCS).

Key Findings

• Global Demand: Coal demand is projected to double over the next 50 years, accounting for 28% of the world's primary energy supply by 2050.
• Environmental Concerns: Despite its importance, coal is the most carbon-intensive fuel, leading to significant environmental challenges.
• Technological Solutions: Clean coal technologies, including CCS, are crucial for balancing energy security, economic development, and environmental sustainability.

Policy Recommendations

1. Demonstration Projects: Accelerate the development and deployment of CCS technologies through government-industry partnerships.
2. Legal and Regulatory Framework: Establish a clear legal and regulatory framework to support the commercialization of CCS.
3. Public Acceptance: Foster public acceptance of CCS technologies.
4. Market-Based Financial Incentives: Implement financial incentives such as cap-and-trade systems, price supports, and mandatory feed-in tariffs.
5. Integration with Climate Policies: Include CCS in the Kyoto Protocol’s Clean Development Mechanism to create demand in developing economies where coal use is growing rapidly.

INTRODUCTION

Purpose of the Report This report from the CIAB aims to provide recommendations on how to accelerate the development and deployment of clean coal technologies, particularly CCS, to reduce emissions from coal use.

Background

• Clean Coal Technologies: These technologies address pollution from coal burning and include measures like reducing sulfur dioxide, NOx, and dust emissions.
• Recent Developments: The need to tackle rising CO2 emissions due to climate change has led to the expansion of clean coal technologies to include CCS.

THE NEED FOR COAL

Current Demand and Future Projections

• Demand Growth: Global coal demand is expected to double from current levels to over 7 billion tonnes of coal equivalent by 2050.
• Energy Mix: Coal is projected to account for 28% of the world’s primary energy supply by 2050.

Environmental Challenges

• Carbon Intensity: Coal is the most carbon-intensive fuel, making it a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions.
• Policy Impact: Strong environmental policies could lead to significantly lower coal use, although the abundance and economic benefits of coal may drive continued exploitation.

THE PATHWAY TO CARBON DIOXIDE CAPTURE AND STORAGE (CCS)

Key Technologies

• Coal Upgrading: Enhancing the quality of coal to reduce emissions.
• Efficiency Improvements: Enhancing the efficiency of existing power plants.
• Advanced Technologies: Developing advanced technologies to capture and store CO2.
• Near-Zero Emission Technologies: Technologies aiming to achieve near-zero emissions from coal use.

Implementation Pathway

• Demonstration Projects: Accelerate the development and deployment of CCS technologies through collaborative efforts between governments and industries.
• Regulatory Support: Establish a robust legal and regulatory framework to facilitate the commercialization of CCS.
• Public Engagement: Foster public acceptance of CCS technologies.
• Financial Incentives: Implement market-based financial incentives such as cap-and-trade systems, price supports, and mandatory feed-in tariffs.
• International Cooperation: Integrate CCS into international climate policies to create demand in developing economies.

CONCLUSION

Recommendations

• Government-Industry Partnerships: Promote collaboration between governments and industries to advance CCS technologies.
• Clear Legal Framework: Establish a clear legal and regulatory framework to support the commercialization of CCS.
• Public Engagement: Ensure public acceptance of CCS technologies.
• Financial Incentives: Implement financial incentives to encourage the commercial deployment of CCS.
• International Collaboration: Integrate CCS into international climate policies to foster global cooperation.

Final Thoughts The coal industry recognizes both the threats and opportunities posed by coal in a carbon-constrained world. By adopting clean coal technologies, particularly CCS, the industry can contribute to a more sustainable energy future while addressing environmental challenges.